Frankenstein, Or, The Modern Prometheus

Obsessed with creating life itself, Victor Frankenstein plunders graveyards for the material to fashion a new being, which he shocks into life with electricity. But his botched creature, rejected by Frankenstein and denied human companionship, sets out to destroy his maker and all that he holds dear. Mary Shelley's chilling gothic tale was conceived when she was only eighteen, living with her lover Percy Shelley near Byron's villa on Lake Geneva. It would become the world's most famous work of horror fiction, and remains a devastating exploration of the limits of human creativity. Based on the third edition of 1831, this text contains all the revisions Mary Shelley made to her story, as well as her 1831 introduction and Percy Bysshe Shelley's preface to the first edition. It also includes as appendices a select collation of the texts of 1818 and 1831 together with 'A Fragment' by Lord Byron and Dr John Polidori's 'The Vampyre- A Tale' .

*CAUTION* MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS: I'll give props to Mary Shelley on writing such a story. Coming from a short story contest amongst men, considering that era, it is quite good. When it comes to my personal opinion though, I thought it was somewhat bland. The overall story was interesting, however there has been a debate as to wether or not we should have compassion on Victor or The Monster. I find it hard to empathize for either of them though, due to the fact that Victor can be neglectful and The Monster kills someone. It's obvious that both of them long for a supportive father figure, however I can't quite see how Victor could provide that for The Monster, when he himself doesn't have one. Overall, I think Mary Shelley did a good job and I could see how people could appreciate and enjoy the story. However, it does not suite my personal taste.

This book was required reading in my Grade 11 English class, and it absolutely grabbed me then. 200 years after it was written, Frankenstein retains its power to grip the reader. Part horror and part science fiction, it tells the story of a madman, Victor Frankenstein, who robs graves to create a giant human-like being only to watch in horror as the being, starting with good intentions, turns into a murderous monster. He offers a ceasefire to Frankenstein on condition the "doctor" creates a female companion. The inventor agrees but stops midway and destroys her, only resulting in the rampage increasing in violence. The way the story ends, although not with fury, is just as frightening as the carnage was. Mary Shelley was way ahead of her time with the story, although the novel was first published anonymously in 1818 and her true authorship not revealed until nearly five years later. This book should be on everyone's bucket list - compelling, and shocking to be sure, but not as unnerving as some might make it out.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is an interesting gothic horror novel. It’s a recount of events that occurred to Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist that pays the consequences of playing god. The novel is great for many reasons, but my main reason is that it doesn’t truly have a villain. Although the monster did kill people, Victor and society isolated him to the point that his frustrations made him kill. You pity the monster rather than demonizing him. As for Victor, you can’t see him as a villain either. He did play god, but he paid the price when he lost everyone that he loved afterwards. You can feel his suffering and understand the reasons for his behaviour. It’s a classic novel and it’s a great read. If you know of the film, then you need to read this novel.
- @reviewsfromthe9 of the Teen Review Board at the Hamilton Public Library

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (born August 30, 1797) was an English novelist, short story writer, essayist, biographer, and travel writer, best known for her Gothic novel "Frankenstein" (first published in 1818).

Frankenstein, like most Gothic fiction of the period, mixes a visceral and alienating subject matter with speculative and thought-provoking themes.... Rather than focusing on the twists and turns of the plot, however, the novel foregrounds the mental and moral struggles of the protagonist, Victor Frankenstein.

Victor Frankenstein is like a possessed devil. As he rebels against tradition, he creates life, and, with that, he shapes his own destiny. And, in doing so, he must abandon his family to fulfil his life's ambition.

*Author's note* - On February 1, 1851 - Mary Shelley (53 at the time) died from a brain tumour.

One of my all-time favorite books. Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist, creates a human creature from pieces of dead humans, brings it to life, then flees from it in terror, abandoning it. The book follows the story of what happens to this creature, and how he acts toward his maker (Victor). This is a very heavy book, truly horrifying and unbelievably sad, yet eloquent and moving, hitting on the deepest questions of what it means to be human.

Dread, defined as to anticipate with great fear or apprehension. It is the single feeling that overshadows the entirety of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The original version of the novel was published in 1816. Despite the passing of two-hundred years, Shelley’s words still manage to inspire fear in the heart of the reader. Shelley’s tale is a chilling inquiry into the very meaning of humanity. With it comes examinations of self-awareness, of fanaticism, and of horror.
The creature is perhaps one of the best known figures, but the novel is a far cry from the character plastered on Halloween decorations. Within the pages, the reader finds, not a monster driven by innate bloodlust, but a sentient, pained being. The creature speaks eloquently, albeit malevolently. His sole desire is revenge upon his creator.
In contrast lies Victor Frankenstein. At first he is shown as nothing more than a happy, wealthy youth stepping out into the world. But as he leaves the peaceful, sunlit valleys of his home, Victor begins to transform. His interests drive him to solitude and his passion to anxiety. Then, in the moment that he steps back to admire his work, he sees his own crazed nightmares materialized. It is that split-second change that leads to the slaughter of so many innocent people.
Enter the Gothic world of 1816 and explore Frankenstein’s Europe, from rural Germany to the misty shores of Ireland. Find determination in the stark ice of Russia and turmoil in the chalky cliffs of Scotland. At the center lies Geneva, Switzerland, nestled in the serenity of the mountains.
This captivating read has entranced readers for centuries. It is a novel one remembers for years afterwards. Regardless of the obscure beginning and the occasional slowness in the middle, Frankenstein is a truly chilling novel and worth the attention.

This is the only school book I remember reading which I actually ENJOYED. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy Frankenstein movies, but none of them ever touch the true themes presented in this Gothic tale. It's a very short read; do yourself a favor and pick up a copy today.